Autism

Since this blog launched, I have always referred to Sam as "Sam, the Anti-Preemie". I am thinking of changing his name to "Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition".
When Sam decided to make his early entry into the world, my life was turned upside down. I don't need to go back an chronicle that for … [Read more...] about Updated: Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition

I have debated writing about my battle with my local school district publicly. What if someone reads this and all my hard work goes down the drain due to someone's bruised ego. But then I remembered, I don't shy away from anything on this site. And I have never once worried about what someone … [Read more...] about The School District vs. The Anti-Preemie

Want to know what overwhelmed looks like... well... it looks like me. Since Sam's IEP, I have done what I do best - educate myself. I have read the full IDEA statute. I have learned terms like LRE, FAPE, ADR, Prior Written Notice, and, well, IDEA. I have become a minor expert in Special … [Read more...] about Its Been 4 Months since Sam’s IEP

I knew it was coming.
Every three years, children with an IEP in the Oakland Unified School District have a major review of eligibility. Besides, Sam will be entering kindergarten (holy shit!) in the fall, and I figured the IEP they did for Sam when he was three would need to be updated.
I … [Read more...] about Blindsided by an IEP

Last night, in a discussion with a friend, I was told I needed to stop treating Sam like he is different.
Now, I can't stop thinking about this.
Sam has been different since the day he was born:
He was only 24 weeks at birth, but was considered large for his "age".
He was off the vent in … [Read more...] about Stop treating him like he is different